Nowadays, when real estate is limited and environmental concerns are growing, house moving and structure lifting are increasingly common options for both individuals and companies. Whether your aim is to prevent flood damage, protect a historic home, or just require a larger foundation, these procedures can help you get there without having to tear down your property.
But how do you lift or move a complete structure? In the following article, we will walk you through the home lifting, structure relocation, and building relocation procedures. We’ll discuss the advantages, potential costs, and what to expect when embarking on such a project. Ready to start?
Why Choose House Lifting or Structure Relocation?
1. To Protect and Prevent Flooding
One of the most common reasons for house elevation is to prevent water damage. Raising your home several feet above flood level can lower your insurance premiums and save you thousands of dollars in damage costs if you live in a flood-prone area. You are protecting your investment and ensuring the security of your family by raising the house.
2. Foundation Repairs and/or Upgrades
The foundation of a home might deteriorate because of age, soil conditions, or bad construction. When this occurs, it is frequently less expensive to elevate the house and repair or replace the foundation than to completely rebuild the residence. Building lifting allows you to repair structural faults while leaving the original home intact.
3. Preserving Historic Buildings
For lovers of old architecture, structure moving allows for the preservation of historical homes or buildings. Instead of demolishing a structure to make way for new development, structure relocation lets you save irreplaceable architecture by moving it to a new location. It’s a win for both history buffs and urban developers!
4. To Create Additional Space
Raising a building or house allows homeowners to add more living space beneath the structure, whether through a basement or a new foundation. House raising is a good option to adding an extension, particularly when lot space is restricted.
The Process of House and Structure Lifting
1. Planning and Consultation
The first step is to contact a qualified contractor, such as High Caliber Contracting, that has experience moving homes and lifting structures. We’ll evaluate the structure and create a detailed plan that takes into consideration the house’s weight, proportions, and surrounding topography.
2. Foundation Preparation
Once the plan has been established, the next step is to lay the groundwork. The existing foundation is either replaced or reinforced. If you decide to raise your home, you may need to build new supports to meet the increased structure size and weight.
3. Hydraulic Jacking System
The heavy lifting—literally—is done with a hydraulic jacking system. Multiple jacks are installed beneath the structure, and the home or building is gradually lifted inch by inch. It is a slow and precise operation to avoid any structural damage.
This is also the stage where house moving would diverge. If you’re relocating a building, the house is placed on steel beams and moved using specialized vehicles to its new location. Building moving is a delicate task requiring expert coordination.
4. Relocating the Structure (If Needed)
To move a structure, it is loaded onto a flatbed truck or dollies and transported to its new place. Roads are frequently temporarily closed, and utility lines may be relocated to ensure safe passage during construction.
5. Securing the Structure
After the house lifting or structure transfer is completed, the building is gently lowered onto its new or enhanced foundation. Final checks are performed to verify everything is stable, and any interior or external repairs (resulting from the lifting procedure) are completed.
Costs of House Moving and Structure Lifting
House lifting and structure relocation are not cheap projects. However, the exact cost varies widely based on several factors:
Size and Weight of the Building: Larger, heavier homes are more complex to lift or move.
Distance for Relocation: House moving a structure a short distance is much more affordable than moving it several miles.
New Foundation: If you’re replacing or reinforcing the foundation, this will add to the overall cost.
Permits and Legal Requirements: Different cities or states may have regulations regarding structure relocation or building moving, and you’ll need to account for these in your budget.
Site Preparation: If the new site needs grading or leveling, expect additional expenses.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to over $100,000 depending on the project’s scope.
Benefits of House Lifting and Structure Moving
Saves Money on New Construction: House lifting can be more cost-effective than demolishing and rebuilding.
Environmental Impact: Reusing an existing structure reduces waste compared to new construction, making structure moving a green option.
Preservation of Sentimental Value: For those who have a deep connection to their home, building moving allows them to keep their home intact.
Increased Safety and Resilience: Raising homes in flood zones helps protect families and property from future natural disasters.
FAQs
1. How long will it take?
The process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the job.
2. Can any type of buildings be lifted or moved?
Not all structures are suitable for lifting or moving. Wooden frame houses are generally easier to move than brick or stone structures, but an expert can assess your specific building.
3. Do I need special permits for structure lifting or relocation?
Yes, you’ll need permits, and the requirements vary by location. Your contractor should handle this as part of their services, but it’s always good to double-check.
4. How do I know if my foundation needs repair?
If your home shows signs of sinking, uneven floors, or cracking walls, you might need a foundation repair. A professional inspection can confirm whether house lifting is necessary.
Time to wrap it up:
House moving, structure lifting, and structure relocation are all highly specialized processes that can help you protect, preserve, and even improve your home. Whether you’re protecting your home from floods, repairing foundation difficulties, or preserving a historic building, these solutions provide a method to update your property without starting from scratch.
Are you ready to look into building lifts for your home? Always work with a qualified contractor and do extensive research on the expenses and stages needed to guarantee a smooth and successful project. With proper planning, your dream of moving or expanding your house might become a reality!